Dominican Republic: Authorities announce extension to nationwide state of emergency until June 1 due to COVID-19 /update 8

Event

The Dominican Republic government announced on Sunday, May 31, an extension to the nationwide state of emergency until Saturday, June 13, in an effort to curb the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country. A curfew is in place from 19:00 to 05:00 (local time) from Monday to Saturday, and from 17:00 to 05:00 on Sunday, will remain in place. All public events and meetings have been suspended.

Presidential elections, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 17, have been postponed to Sunday, July 5. Should a second round be necessary, it will be held on Sunday, July 26.

All inbound passenger air and maritime transportation remain suspended and the country's land border with Haiti is closed. All schools and entertainment centers are also shut. Nonessential businesses have been ordered to close. Exemptions to the shutdown order have been made for pharmacies, markets, grocery stores, and banks. Face masks must be worn in public and in the workplace.

As of Monday, June 1, health authorities have confirmed 17,572 COVID-19 cases and 502 associated deaths in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.